Summary:
- The polar vortex is a large, swirling mass of cold air that normally stays confined to the Arctic region. However, changes in the polar vortex can cause it to become unstable and send bursts of frigid air southward, plunging parts of the United States into deep freezes.
- Researchers have discovered that the rapid warming of the Arctic, due to climate change, is disrupting the polar vortex and causing it to become more unstable. This can lead to more frequent and intense cold snaps in the U.S. and other parts of the Northern Hemisphere.
- Understanding the changes in the polar vortex is crucial for improving weather forecasting and preparing communities for the impacts of climate change, such as extreme cold events.